Summer Haiku

Byron · Post by **Byron** » Sat Dec 07, 2002 3:44 am

Hello to anyone. I'm brand new to the Cohen experience and I'm on a steep learning curve. I have no idea of what can be discussed here. Therefore can I start with a simple question? I have been reading Stranger Music: Selected Poems and Songs. Page 27 has a beautiful piece which reads,

Silence
and a deeper silence
when the crickets hesitate

I find this to be a calming influence and it posseses a lyrical and personal view of a warm summer's night. However, being a Haiku, why does it have only 15 syllables?

Byron · Post by **Byron** » Sun Dec 08, 2002 2:23 am

I have now found the answer in a contribution from Andrew McGeever back in July. Thank you Andrew.

Andrew McGeever · Post by **Andrew McGeever** » Mon Dec 16, 2002 3:55 am

Dear Byron,
I am not an expert regarding haiku, but there is much to read and learn about the subject. The syllable count is a British template on a Japanese form of poetry which has lasted for hundreds of years, as has renga (a wonderful form! Try it with friends, correspondents, and keep it three lines , two lines , three lines, two lines...etc. It will surprise you!
Yours, Andrew.

jurica · Post by **jurica** » Mon Dec 16, 2002 5:28 pm

hello,

now i'm interested to learn what mr. McGeever sent you...

could you (any of you two) post it for the rest of us to see, please?

JURICA

Byron · Post by **Byron** » Tue Dec 17, 2002 1:57 am

Hello to Jurica and the others. I found Andrew's explanation in his posting on the 20th July 2002. It is very helpful. Margaret had also asked me about this and I sent her the information. However I note that Jurica asks for the information to be shown to all who are interested and so I've put it on the board for you to see. I didn't realise I would get so many asking for the information. (at least 3 up to now) In the same way I had written to Margaret, click on Andrew's profile and then click on his posts. I think it is on page 10 or 11, and was back in July.